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The Sierra Madre Playhouse has evolved from a theatrical heritage that stretches back to the days when Sierra Madre was just a tiny village. Residents presented dramas and musicals as early as the 1880s in their homes, in the Town Hall, and in the Woman's Club.Â
Then in 1923, the structure presently housing the Sierra Madre Playhouse was built. During the ensuing years, it has served as the focal point of the city's family entertainment center, whether as a movie house, an arcade, or most recently, a theatre.
Its names have changed, as well as its functions. It was the "Wistaria Theater" when it first opened, but by 1929 it became the "Sierra Madre Theatre."
When Charles Andrese and Cheryl Pertile founded a new Arcadia theatrical operation in 1980, it was initially called the "Playback Players" to reflect their intention to specialize in some of the older, classic plays. When they moved to the present location later that year, their premiere Sierra Madre production was "Moby Dick-Rehearsed," written by the famed late Orson Welles. Since this was hardly an "old classic," the group renamed itself the "Sierra Madre Playhouse." Soon, Stan Zalas came to the Playhouse as artistic director. He and Andrese, who became general manager, built a solid reputation for providing quality entertainment and culturally sound family theater fare. Stan passed away in 1977 and Charles in 2009.
As with most community theaters, the Sierra Madre Playhouse has often been in tight financial straits. To support the theater, a small group of dedicated local citizens spearheaded a campaign in 1995 to assist the Playhouse, with George Enyedi and Lee and Barbara Cline playing lead roles. The Playhouse reorganized and became a non-profit corporation. A Board of Directors was formed in 1996 comprising nine dedicated community volunteers and theater lovers.
Each season-which runs from January through the following December, The Playhouse presents six to eight events, featuring well-written comedies, musicals, and intriguing mysteries. More serious dramas are interspersed occasionally. All are family oriented, and they showcase a repertoire remarkably varied for a community theater.